Disco matanga, kesha insensitive disruptive to community living

Amid the horror, outrage and disgust over the Riverside massacre, the courage and patriotism of the Kenyan public shone brilliantly. The rush to donate blood, the messages of sympathy and condemnation together with the heroics of the combined forces inspired hope and bred confidence that this country will not be defeated by a bunch of cowardly, crazy fanatics. 

Kenya’s strength and unity is most evident when under attack from outsiders whether it is Al Shabaab terrorists, foreign media, Migingo occupancy or ill treatment of Kenyans abroad. The country unites in solidarity in its defence and opposition to any threats to its sovereignty. This is impressive and heartening.

Now, if the same energy, purpose and outrage were applied to the war on corruption as is employed to fight terrorism then what a wonderful, prosperous and peaceful country this would be. We appear extremely lenient and forgiving, however, with the enemies within whose looting has also sent thousands of Kenyans to an early grave. In addition, think of the huge numbers slaughtered on our roads because of reckless driving, greedy transport companies and corrupt traffic police officers, then acknowledge that the numbers who die in terrorist attacks pale in comparison. It makes you think, doesn’t it?

The terrorist attack also put a stop – temporarily– to the silly, unwanted and divisive nonsensical talk about 2022 elections. That is a relief. However, amid the confusion and inconsistencies in governance, one figure stands out in his commitment to tackle evils of terrorism, road carnage and police corruption. That man is CS Fred Matiang’i. He has the most challenging and demanding docket in the Republic but in the event of a Cabinet reshuffle few would be vying for his position or be found suitable to replace him. He does seem to have that uncanny ability and energy to address the national problems and those at the grassroots with the same vigour. 

This was most evident in his recent visit to the Coast when he addressed the scourge of ‘Disco Matanga’. Mr Matiang’i visited a chief in hospital attacked by revellers in Kilifi as he tried to disperse a late night disco matanga. The CS announced that such events must end by 11pm since they are a source of debauchery, drunkenness and immorality. Like many others he attributed unwanted teenage pregnancies and alcoholism among the youth to these dances organised primarily to raise funds to bury the dead. 

Many welcomed his announcement while others felt it was a hare-brained solution suggesting that allowing it after dark at all was just a licence to continue beyond eleven so long as the DJ was being paid. The Interior Minister pointed out that ‘Disco Matanga’ is no longer a cultural event. However, its popularity all over the country is mainly due to the endemic poverty that prevents most folk from being able to afford a decent funeral. Besides it is one of the few activities available to the throngs of young people who cannot afford to let steam off in licensed nightclubs.

This is not a justification since these discos urgently require discipline and regulation. It is imprudent to allow them to continue unsupervised as they can corrupt the youth and become a permanent nuisance in the community. I have witnessed a disco matanga carry on until early morning for up to four weeks to secure sufficient funds to transport the deceased to ‘bara’ (upcountry) where no one might have known him. 

But it is not just disco matanga that is the scourge of the community; the Kesha (over night prayers) is just as disruptive, chaotic and insensitive to the majority who want a peaceful night’s sleep without undue disturbance. How in the name of God a noisy Pastor can annoy the whole neighbourhood who have no desire to get healed or saved defies logic! It is equally inconsiderate when Mosques call everyone to prayer at an hour when our bodies still demand peaceful rest. Recently I visited a town where worshippers didn’t need to be called to prayer they just woke up and went without any summons.

Culture and behaviour continuously change and so present new challenges. Loud kesha or ear-splitting disco matangaare offensive, insensitive and disruptive to community life. Mr Matiang’i has started the debate but Nema and the administration must get involved. People will always need assistance in emergencies and youth need space to enjoy themselves, but in changing times we must find new and appropriate ways of expressing and responding to those needs. 

- [email protected] @GabrielDolan1